NHL Stars to Watch at 2014 Winter Olympics Who Don't Play for USA or Canada

While much of the North American focus is on Canada and the United States, there are a number of dynamic NHL stars from other countries to watch at the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Many of these players will play starring roles in Sochi, Russia. Some will have expanded roles for their respective countries. Many of them are fulfilling lifelong dreams of representing their country on the international stage.

We'll take a look at 25 of the top non-North American NHL stars, their projected roles and why they are deserving of extra attention in February.

Jaromir Jagr, Right Wing, Czech Republic

By the Numbers: The remarkable Jaromir Jagr will celebrate his 42nd birthday in Sochi. The future hall of famer has 35 points with the New Jersey Devils and he continues to outwit Father Time.

Projected Role: Unsurprisingly, Jagr will once again be counted on to score goals for the Czech Republic at an international competition. Don't be surprised if Jagr scores some highlight-reel markers.

Why You Should Watch Him: Jagr has been one of the top talents of his generation. He has remarkable vision, and with the extra time and space he will be afforded on the big ice, Jagr will be a treat to watch.

David Krejci, Centre, Czech Republic

By the Numbers: The Boston Bruins centre has played a very solid two-way game in Beantown. He's had 36 points in the first half of the season and is an impressive plus-16 in those games.

Projected Role: Krejci will be expected to play a similar role to what he does in Boston. He'll have to produce offensively, but he'll need to play in all game situations for a Czech team that will not have the elite offensive talent that other teams will feature.

Why You Should Watch Him: Krejci is a gifted playmaker who creates chances on most shifts. If he plays a lot with Jaromir Jagr, they will be a difficult duo to defend once they establish themselves in the offensive zone.

Pavel Datsyuk, Centre, Russia

Projected Role: Datsyuk will do what he always does in Detroit and what he's done in the past for Team Russia. He'll be an on-ice leader who will be expected to provide offence as well as shutting down the opposing team's top centre.

Why You Should Watch Him: Datsyuk is one of the most talented players to ever lace them up. If you watch him closely, he's likely to do something that you have never seen before.

Ilya Kovalchuk, Left Wing, Russia

By the Numbers: The former New Jersey Devil has 35 points in 36 games with St. Petersburg SKA in the KHL this season.

Projected Role: Kovalchuk will be a top-six forward who will be expected to be among the team leaders in goal scoring.

Why You Should Watch Him: Kovalchuk is an amazing skater with a rare ability to accelerate after gaining the puck. Furthermore, his shot release is as good as anyone's who will be playing in the tournament. I've included him as an NHL star as he's only recently left the league and remains at the peak of his skills.

Evgeni Malkin, Centre, Russia

By the Numbers: With 45 points in just 34 NHL contests in 2013-14, Malkin has been one of the top point-per-game players in the entire league.

Projected Role: Malkin will likely play behind the sublime Pavel Datsyuk, but he'll be looked at to be among the scoring leaders for Mother Russia.

Why You Should Watch Him: Malkin is a very unselfish player who can find teammates where other players cannot. He has that rare blend of size, speed and elite skill that makes him one of the best players in the game today.

Vladimir Tarasenko, Right Wing, Russia

By the Numbers: The St. Louis Blues winger has just turned 22 years old, yet he will be counted on to provide offensive punch on a deep Russian squad.

Projected Role: Tarasenko can play in all game situations. Expect the young winger to showcase his versatility increasingly as the competition heats up in his home country.

Why You Should Watch Him: Tarasenko will be one of the younger forwards on any of the top medal contenders at the Olympics. He seems able to create something out of nothing with his great agility and vision.

Zdeno Chara, Defence, Slovakia

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By the Numbers: Since the beginning of the 2010-11 NHL regular season, the 6'9" Slovak is plus-84.

Projected Role: One of the game's top shutdown defenders will play huge minutes in Sochi. He'll be expected to carry the team defensively as well as chipping in offensively with his tremendous slap shot.

Why You Should Watch Him: Chara is one of the few players in the game today that can control the play. When he is at his best, he's a physical force that is nearly impossible to slow down, let alone stop.

Tomas Tatar, Left Wing, Slovakia

By the Numbers: Tatar has 16 points in 35 games despite not getting the minutes that other veteran Detroit Red Wings forwards get on a nightly basis.

Projected Role: Tatar should be on one of the top two lines. He'll be expected to produce offensively and use his speed to limit chances for opposing wingers.

Why You Should Watch Him: At just 23 years old, Tatar will be one of the youngest, yet fastest players in Sochi. His blazing speed should see him get a lot of chances when his teammates find him breaking in open ice.

Erik Karlsson, Defence, Sweden

By the Numbers: With 39 points, Karlsson is second only to Duncan Keith in defenceman scoring.

Projected Role: Karlsson will play upwards of 28 minutes in Sochi. He'll be a top-pairing defender and anchor the power play as well.

Why You Should Watch Him: Karlsson is a huge talent. While his defending in the defensive zone needs work, few players are as skilled with the puck as he is. He'll thrive while playing with other highly skilled countrymen.

Gabriel Landeskog, Left Wing, Sweden

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By the Numbers: The Colorado captain has 31 points and 27 penalty minutes this year. He's a great blend of speed and power.

Projected Role: Landeskog will provide some tough board play along with a good scoring touch. He won't be expected to lead the Swedes offensively, but he'll need to play a disciplined two-way game as a top-six forward.

Why You Should Watch Him: Landeskog does all the little things that coaches love. His leadership skills and hard-working game will serve as a good example on this talented team.

Henrik Sedin, Centre, Sweden

By the Numbers: With 640 career assists, Henrik will be among the best playmakers at the 2014 Olympics.

Projected Role: Henrik will be the team's top centre. He'll be expected to play the cycle game to perfection and wear down opposing checking lines and top defenders.

Why You Should Watch Him: While he doesn't have eyes in the back of his head, it will appear, at times, that he does. Henrik and Daniel should pair up to give fans some great moments of skilled hockey.

Alex Steen, Right Wing, Sweden

By the Numbers: With 24 goals, Steen is having the best offensive year of his career in 2013-14.

Projected Role: Steen has been recovering from a concussion, but as long as he is healthy, expect him to be on one of the top two lines for this excellent Swedish team.

Why You Should Watch Him: Steen has developed into one of the game's best scorers this season. The Swedes will play a disciplined style of game, but on the transition Steen will be able to show his full array of puckhandling skills.

Henrik Zetterberg, Centre, Sweden

By the Numbers: The Detroit Red Wing forward has 36 points in 32 games this season, despite battling some injuries.

Projected Role: The Swedish captain will be expected to play his all-around game at its highest level. He'll split the key minutes with Henrik Sedin.

Why You Should Watch Him: Zetterberg has puckhandling skills that not many players can match. He's not a physically imposing player, but few skaters can intimidate opposing defenders with their skill like Zetterberg does.